Coral Rescue, Teacher Pay, Intruder Fatally Shot: Nearby News

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Florida Patches to talk about tonight:

• Panhandler Shoots Woman Who Refuses To Give Spare Change: Sheriff
• Intruder Shot, Killed By Sarasota Homeowner Tuesday: Sheriff
• Public's Opinion Sought On New Florida Academic Standards

Florida Judge Rejects 'Stand Your Ground' Defense In Iguana Death

No, killing an iguana isn't protected under the state's "stand your ground" law that allows deadly force if a person feels it's necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm, a judge in Florida has ruled.

U Of Miami, Florida Aquarium Brains Behind Coral Rescue Operation

The historic spawning of grooved brain corals raises hopes for saving Florida coral reefs. The Tampa-based Florida Aquarium and the University of Miami are leading the way.

Message In A Bottle Turns Up In Florida; All Isn't As It Seems

Who wouldn't be intrigued by this story: It seemed a guy by the name of Zack Williams sealed a message in a bottle in 1987 and threw it into the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The bottle was found Monday in a canal in Marathon, Florida, some 800 miles south of Myrtle Beach.

Boy Fired AK-47 At Florida Cops, Teen Firing Gun Is Shot: Sheriff

Two runaway kids, ages 12 and 14, shot at police with guns that included an AK-47 at a home they've been accused of breaking into Tuesday night before police fired back and critically wounded the 14-year-old girl, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

68 Florida Districts To Give Teachers $40,000 Starting Salary

Teachers, school principals and superintendents are hailing the state's $101.5 billion budget, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday, as a big win for public schools, noting that it includes $765 million in funding to support Florida's teachers. Over the past year, minimum pay for Florida's teachers increased by an average of $6,000 from $40,000 to $46,000.

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Also Worth a Look Today

• 67-Year-Old Woman Charged With 2nd-Degree Murder With Firearm
• South FL Ventilator Thief Arrested In Texas: DOJ

• DeSantis Signs $101.5 Billion Budget, Vetoes $1.5 Billion
• Ford’s Garage Grand Opening Scheduled Monday In Sarasota
• 104 Felony Charges Filed In Identity Theft Scheme: Sheriff
• 70-Year-Old Man Dies In Madeira Beach Apartment Fire

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